Citérémis releases Aztaka, old-school side-scrolling RPG adventure

Created both for those who miss the old 8- and 16-bit era and younglings who prefer good graphics Aztaka is a mix of classing side-scrolling games and roleplaying adventures.

Inspired by the Aztec setting and the old school games Citérémis and Stardock Corporation released a new side-scrolling adventure RPG game Aztaka on Impulse. Player is cast into the role of Huitzilo, an heir to the Sun God who seeks to fulfill his destiny reuniting the seven Ancestral Phonograms. This should open the Path of the Gods and enable him to lead his people out of darkness and bloodshed. Loyal companion Ayopha, trapped into a form of hummingbird by a powerful curse, accompanies him on his quest.

Side-scrolling sends yours truly way way back…

The game uses a hybrid control scheme where the player controls Huitzilo via keyboard but is casting spells and manipulating spiritual energy by mouse. Spiritual energy, represented in game as globules of light is very important to the game mechanics. The player can drag and drop it around, using it for numerous actions like puzzle solving, accessing new areas, healing companions and more.

Picking up side quests can be fun… or dangerous. But still, fun

Aztaka is already being praised for its graphics, interesting storyline and immersive gameplay. While Stardock is known for making good games, advertising and spreading the world around is not exactly their cup of tea. In the world of competitive computer game market creating a great game is not the only task but making it actually reach the gamer base. To overcome this obstacle Citérémis and Stardock have decided to release the game on Impulse Driven, one of the independent digital distribution services.

It seems we are expecting a flood of new games inspired by the old school arcades and classics. Maybe these games herald the return of good times when originality and fun were preferred over shiny graphics and cash cows.